The Penarth Civic Society, a non-political group that "focuses on the heritage, people and future development of Penarth", has come out in opposition to the Upper Cosmeston Farm development.

In a lengthy document submitted to Nub News, the group cites environmental implications, congestion and the overcrowding of schools among its gravest concerns.

They say the development threatens the town's reputation as an "attractive place to live".

"The Penarth Civic Society (PCS) recognises the need for new housing but does not consider the proposed site at Upper Cosmeston Farm to be appropriate for such a development," Vice Chair Anne Evans told Nub News.

"The Society has considerable environmental concerns which we do not consider have been taken sufficiently into account."

According to the document, the development would be "disastrous" for local populations of dormice, slow worms, hedgehogs, and various bat and bird species - not least the peregrine falcons that are "steadily returning" to the area.

"If we do not act now to save our wildlife it will be too late," warns the PCS.

Aside from ecological concerns, the group say the development will place an unaccounted for strain on local infrastructure, particularly on roads and schooling. They believe the proposal is being considered "in isolation" and fails to account for other proposed developments "in Sully, Llandough and Cog Road".

"The development proposals place very little significance on the increase in traffic especially at times of peak morning commuting traffic," the document states.

"The consultants' report seems to suggest that alterations to the traffic light sequences in Lavernock Road would mitigate against the worst traffic build up.

"We feel that this seriously underestimates the existing traffic problems and the inevitable traffic increases from this and other local developments in the Penarth area."

With regard to schooling, "PCS recognises the need for additional school capacity to cater for any additional housing and this is addressed in the plan. However, while PCS supports Welsh-medium education, we understand that all English-medium schools in Penarth and Sully are over-subscribed."

The document also echoes concerns recently raised about the loss of archaeological heritage and the risk posed to the Wales Coastal Path.

"The farmhouse is of particular interest, being a rare example of a single unit, end entry, hearth passage building dating from the 17th century...

"There is a very real risk that householders adjacent to the coastal path (the 'premium' sites) will clear trees and hedges to give a better sea-view. This would diminish the experience of using the path."

Although they unreservedly oppose the development, the group has pragmatically made some demands "in the event of the proposal being accepted":

- This site offers the Welsh Government the opportunity to build an environmentally friendly scheme of UK wide importance, including low/zero carbon buildings and proposals for managing car use.

- It is essential that the infrastructure for this, and other developments, is in place before detailed plans for this site are produced. Further clarity is needed on a number of infrastructure issues including schools.

- A full impact study is required of road traffic in the area of the development and access / egress from development and peak traffic flows.

- An updated environmental impact report is required to ensure that effective wildlife protection plans can be put in place.

- There needs to be real attention paid to ways of protecting the natural environment including long-term protection of the existing site hedges and tree planting including the coastal path hedge and the railway embankment route.

- The existing tree line on the old railway embankment should be the visual high point for the development. The medium rise flats are inappropriate in this semi-rural setting in the Green Belt between Penarth and Barry. This development should not see the 'creeping urbanisation' which has been resisted by the Vale of Glamorgan Council for a long time.

- The development should require the integration of affordable housing and space for cohousing communities.

The Welsh Government, who own the site, state the following in their planning application to the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

"The development of Cosmeston Farm, whilst making an important contribution to meeting housing needs, presents an opportunity to deliver high quality, sustainable buildings and spaces that will improve and support the health and well-being of future generations through an urban extension that respects and enhances the unique qualities and character of Penarth – the Garden by the Sea.

"The Welsh Government has developed a strong Vision for the development in consultation with stakeholders, specialist advisors and the local community.

"This has led to a Masterplan of connected spaces that arise naturally from the context, topography and existing habitat-rich landscape, overlooked by high quality, net zero energy homes, community facilities and a school, creating a place where a diverse community will live, learn and work."

Full planning application details and documents can be found [L]http://vogonline.planning-register.co.uk/PlaRecord.aspx?AppNo=2020/01170/OUT&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1[L+]here.